Abstract [en]

Background: Qualitative research about parental experiences of skin-to-skin care (SSC) reveals that the provision of SSC is an important part of becoming a parent. It has, from the perspective of the parent been characterised as a restoring experience as well as an energy-draining activity.

Aim: The aim of this presentation is to highlight some nursing contributions facilitating a successful SSC.

Methods: From the results of a meta-study (1) including 24 qualitative papers from 7 countries, a number of energy-draining experiences were identified, related to factors that can be modified in order to achieve a more restoring and less energy-draining experience. Some of these factors will be discussed and nursing actions will be suggested in order to provide families with better support for SSC.

Results: Nursing actions to support parents providing skin-to-skin care should focus on the following factors:

- Surveiling a family friendly physical environment of the neonatal unit; provide space and privacy for families and reduce noise and “technology-stress” levels

- Nurses should encourage and support parents to provide skin-to-skin care, without inflicting pressure or feelings of guilt.

- Fathers need extra support to be confident in providing SSC.

- The needs of the whole family, including siblings at home, should be taken into account.

Conclusion: It is important for nurses to be aware that SSC can be experienced both as restorative and energy consuming and that nurses’ attitudes can influence the parental experience, and alongside with that the wellbeing of the infant. In order to apply a family centrered perspective nurses must evaluate interventions, such as SSC, from the perspective of the individual infant, as well as from the perspective of the family as a whole.